Pasta & rice main dishes

Strozzapreti pasta with a creamy mascarpone and tuna sauce

⏱ 20 min🍳 10 min👤 2 pp★☆☆☆☆

When hungry visitors suddenly appear at the door, all you can do is make a quick plate of pasta. This creamy mascarpone tuna sauce is perfect for these situations, because it can be made in a jiffy and the sauce does not require any cooking. All you have to do is wait for the pasta to cook and lay the table!

Ingredients

Nutritional values 680 kcal / serving

Protein
32g
Carbohydrates
52g
Fat
38g
Fiber
2g

* approximate values per serving

Information
20 minutes Total time
10 minutes Active time
Serves 2 persons
★☆☆☆☆ Easy

Preparation

Boil the pasta until it is 'al dente'. Meanwhile, chop the parsley and anchovy together. Add the tuna and mascarpone with a couple of tablespoons of the pasta cooking water. Blitz to a creamy consistency with the help of a hand-held blender. Drain the pasta, stir in the sauce and serve hot. If necessary, add another tablespoon of the pasta cooking water: the texture should be creamy but not too thick.

Tips
If you don't have any mascarpone handy at home, you can substitute any spreadable soft cheese
Trivia
It appears that the name 'mascarpone' - a very soft Italian 'cheese' which is actually more like thick cream - derives from the Spanish expression "Mas que bueno" which means 'exceptionally good'

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna with added anchovies

A delicious variation of the traditional recipe for strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna is the one that includes anchovies. These small blue fish, rich in flavor, add a touch of saltiness to the dish, making it even tastier. To prepare this variation, simply finely chop the anchovies together with parsley and add them to the mixture of tuna and mascarpone. The anchovy will easily melt, blending with the other ingredients and creating a cream with a enveloping flavor. This combination is perfect for those who love intense flavors and want to enrich their pasta with fresh, quality ingredients.

Strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna in Campanian style

If you wish to explore a regional variation of strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna, you can try the Campanian style preparation. In this version, in addition to the classic ingredients, a touch of lemon can be added for freshness and a pinch of chili for a bolder flavor. The preparation technique remains the same, but the final result will have a fragrance and flavor that evoke the culinary traditions of Campania. The addition of citrus and spices not only enriches the dish but also makes it perfect for a summer dinner, to be enjoyed with a good chilled white wine.

Light strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna without mascarpone

For those who want a lighter version of strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna, it is possible to substitute the mascarpone with Greek yogurt. This modification not only reduces the calories of the dish but maintains a creamy consistency and an enveloping flavor. To prepare this variation, simply mix the tuna with Greek yogurt and a bit of pasta cooking water until you achieve a smooth cream. Additionally, fresh herbs like basil or mint can be added for a touch of freshness. This preparation is ideal for those following a more careful diet without sacrificing taste.

Nutritional benefits of strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna

Strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna are not only a delicious dish but also rich in nutritional benefits. Tuna is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their positive effects on heart health. Additionally, mascarpone, although caloric, provides calcium and vitamins, while parsley is rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and K. A serving of strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna provides about 500-600 calories, depending on the portions and ingredients used. This dish can be a great choice for a nutritious and balanced lunch.

How to store strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna?

To store strozzapreti with mascarpone cream and tuna, it is advisable to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This way, the dish can maintain its freshness for 2-3 days. Before consuming, it can be reheated in a pan with a drizzle of oil or a bit of cooking water to restore the right creamy consistency. However, it is important to note that, to avoid the deterioration of the mascarpone cream, it is better not to freeze the dish. The cream may separate and lose its original consistency during the freezing and thawing process.